Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to chase record at Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Hyundai will enter the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with its first performance EV – the Ioniq 5 N.

Two production-spec cars will compete in the world-famous event’s electric production SUV/crossover class as Hyundai looks to showcase the sporting pedigree of its latest model. Hyundai will also showcase two fully race-prepped cars ahead of its entry into the Nurburgring 24 Hour in late May.

The cars looking to set a new track record on the legendary 12.42-mile hill climb are standard Ioniq 5 Ns producing a massive 632bhp and 549lb ft from their twin-motor powertrain.

To meet the production car class requirements only minor changes were made, including removing the rear seats, installing a race-spec seat and harness and fitting a roll cage and fire suppression system for safety.

The cars will be driven by Pikes Peak veteran Paul Dallenbach and event rookie Ron Zaras. Dallenbach is an eleven-time winner and set an overall record in 1993. Zaras, a media personality and former Hoonigan executive, was recently chosen to showcase the story of a motorsport enthusiast preparing for this massive challenge of competing at Pikes Peak.

“As a lifelong fan of rallying, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been a bucket list event to take part in from the first time I watched the film ‘Climb Dance’ on a 56k internet connection,” said Zaras.

“So, competing here for my first time ever in the Ioniq 5 N – with the support of the excellent teams at Hyundai – is an incredible honour. I’m thrilled to share my journey from young spectator to first time competitor along the way; challenging as that path may be.”

Hyundai has been competing at Pikes Peak for more than 30 years and says the latest visit will “showcase the racetrack capability of every N performance vehicle”.

Till Wartenberg, head of N Brand and Motorsport, said: “We are returning to the mountain stronger than we have left it, with a class leading electric SUV in the form of Ioniq 5.

“Hyundai has a history of proving new technologies and products at Pikes Peak going all the way back to 1992 and the IONIQ 5 N brings that concept to high performance electric cars. The production spec Ioniq 5 N will demonstrate what customers can expect from their vehicles.”